Operational Excellence Lead – Liverpool | 6-Month Contract | Pharma Manufacturing
We are working with a global Pharmaceutical company who are seeking an Operational Excellence Lead for a 6-month contract (Inside IR35/PAYE) at their Liverpool site. This role focuses on delivering Lean Six Sigma initiatives, engaging stakeholders, and requires experience in manufacturing operations.
About the Role
As the Operational Excellence Lead, you will play a pivotal role in embedding a culture of continuous improvement across the site. You will coach and mentor leaders, facilitate Kaizen events and workshops, and ensure that improvement initiatives are sustained over time. Close collaboration with peers at other manufacturing sites and alignment with a global Operational Excellence framework are critical for success.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
- Coach and mentor site leaders to achieve operational priorities and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
- Engage and influence stakeholders across all levels to support OE initiatives and change management efforts.
- Lead Kaizen events, workshops, and improvement projects, focusing on building local leadership capability.
- Support deployment of the site Operating System, ensuring plans and initiatives meet KPIs and timelines.
- Collaborate with global and cross-site teams to share best practices.
- Ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
Qualifications & Experience
- Experience in manufacturing or supply chain operations within a regulated environment preferred.
- Formal training or certification in Lean and/or Six Sigma.
- Proven experience in stakeholder engagement and influencing at all organizational levels.
- Strong understanding of Lean principles and practical application in a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and mentoring experience.
- Skilled in facilitating workshops and delivering training.
- Experience in project management and change management.
- Familiarity with modern manufacturing techniques.
- High IT literacy, including Microsoft Office; experience with Power BI, MRP systems (e.g., SAP), and shop floor reporting systems is advantageous.
- University degree in a relevant discipline preferred.
- Fluent in English, both written and spoken.